KOKO: LONDON’S NEW LIVE MUSIC VENUE

Friday, October 1, 2004 12:00:00 AM America/New_York

LONDON, England - Oct. 4, 2004 -- Harman Pro UK has supplied one of the world's most advanced integrated sound systems to KOKO, London's newest and most fabulous live music venue.

The system capitalizes on the continuity of all the Harman Pro group brands. It features a JBL Professional VERTEC line array sound system in the main room powered by the new Crown I-Tech amplifiers; a full selection of AKG mics including one of the new WMS 4000 wireless systems and dbx's DriveRack system processing units.

The installation, which also uses other Harman Professional brands BSS and Soundcraft, was undertaken by Xtreme AV who collaborated closely with the Harman Pro UK team on the sound design and system optimization.

The HistoryStarting life as the Palace Theatre at the end of the 19th century, KOKO's vibrant refurbishment pays tribute to its past musical history.

It reached 'legendary' status in the annuls of live music history during the 1970s, first as The Music Machine, morphing into Camden Palace, the hottest and glammest club in town during the 1980s. During the heady dance driven 1990s it was a favorite rave venue.

New owners The Mint Group have coordinated a multi-million pound restoration project that's now transformed the charismatic Grade II listed building into KOKO, a venue for the 21st century. KOKO is intended to be the best and most talked about live performance and entertainment space in the metropolis.

High Production Values - The BEST Sound in LondonHigh production values are imperative to KOKO's success. The Mint Group wanted the best sound system in town - a challenge that both Harman and Xtreme were determined to deliver.

The need for a world class live audio system was manifold. Firstly, they needed to cater for the diverse and wide range of performing artists and DJs who'll be playing KOKO - with its energetic program of club nights and live gigs. The Harman Pro UK brief was to provide a fully integrated sound system that would ensure that each performance had access to consistently high production values - and that no one need bring in any additional production sound gear.

A further requirement was that the system should also be capable of working in a conference context, as KOKO is also available for corporate event hires of all types.

The Main RoomThe 1500 capacity main room features 14 VERTEC VT4887 full range line array elements, complete with four VT4881 bass enclosures per side - split between two elegant hangs. Subs are JBL ASB 6128Vs from the AE Series, concealed under the stage for maximum impact. In total, the FOH system has the power capacity of 28,000 Watts and is capable of delivering up to 119 dB. The FOH system is powered by the new Crown I-Tech amplifiers - six IT4000s and two IT6000s- designed for the toughest of touring and corporate applications.

I-Tech - The Heart of the MatterI-Tech was chosen for KOKO because the output circuitry delivers high power with low distortion providing smooth, open highs, with low phase shift. I-Tech's inbuilt PIP cards provide the required processing at the input of the amplifier. The ability to network the I-Techs together allowed Harman Pro to commission the system via a laptop using a wireless link. Additionally, I-Tech's massive damping factor provides a tight punchy bass.

OnstageStage monitors are six JBL 4702s, also powered by Crown XLS amps. The stage side-fill system consists of two JBL SR4733s while JBL AM6215/95 speakers have been added as front fills to the dance floor. The monitor board is the existing Soundcraft 500, which has also been reconditioned. Two DriveRack 480s provide digital compression and EQ for the monitor system.

Harman Professional UK have also supplied a full range of AKG mics including the award winning C414 XLS, C451, C900 to cater for all types of live music performances, spoken word, speeches, and conference/corporate style presentations. The installation also includes a top of the range four channel AKG WMS 4000 wireless mic system. The product was specified for its flexibility, set up ease and operational simplicity. The plug-and-play nature of the WMS 4000 is ideal for situations utilising several radio mics simultaneously, and offers KOKO the ability to provide a high-end professional wireless system to their clients.

Passing CommentsXtreme's John Nightingale says, "From the integration context, Harman is an ideal partner for Xtreme. They supply the right sonic solution and are a one-stop service for all the component parts. Their attention to detail is impressive, and the support excellent."

Harman's Dave Budge adds, "Harman Pro UK is in a unique position of being able to offer the world's most advanced integrated solutions made up of the top brands across the whole audio spectrum. With an in-house technical team headed by Tom Williams we can support the contractor's efforts - from design to final commissioning."

"Designing a project like KOKO is based on creating a state-of-the-art sound system within the required budget. Acoustically the space is very challenging, but it was an exciting project," says Tom Williams from Harman Pro UK.

About the Harman Pro GroupHeadquartered in Northridge, California, the Harman Pro Group is part of Harman International Industries, Incorporated (www.harman.com), a leading manufacturer of high-quality, high fidelity audio products and infotainment systems for the automotive, home and professional markets. The Company's stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol: HAR. Harman Pro Group companies include AKG Acoustics, BSS Audio, Crown International, dbx, JBL Professional, Lexicon, Soundcraft, and Studer.